Articular crepitus is a medical term used to describe a cracking or popping sound that originates from the joints. The correct spelling of this term starts with the /ɑːrˈtɪkjʊlər krepɪtəs/ phonetic transcription. The first syllable "ar" is pronounced as "ahr" like in the word "car". The second syllable "tic" is pronounced as "tik" like in the word "tick". The third syllable "u" is pronounced as "uh" like in the word "nut". Lastly, the word ends with "crepitus", which is pronounced as "krep-it-us".
Articular crepitus is a medical term used to describe a characteristic sound or sensation that occurs during joint movement. It refers to a grinding, cracking, or popping noise and a palpable sensation within a joint. The term is commonly used in orthopedics and is often associated with osteoarthritis or joint degeneration.
Articular crepitus may occur due to various reasons, including the irregularities on the articular surfaces of the bones within a joint. As these roughened surfaces move against each other, the friction generates the characteristic sound and sensation. The crepitus may also arise from the presence of loose bodies, synovial joint inflammation, or joint instability.
While articular crepitus can be a normal finding in certain individuals, it is often indicative of an underlying joint pathology. It can be associated with joint pain, limited range of motion, stiffness, and swelling. Clinicians may use this sound and palpable sensation as a diagnostic clue during a physical examination to identify joint abnormalities or disorders.
It is important to note that articular crepitus should not be confused with crepitus that occurs in soft tissues, such as muscles or tendons. The latter may arise due to friction between these structures, rather than within the joint itself.
The grating of a joint.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "articular crepitus" is derived from Latin and Greek.
The word "articular" comes from the Latin word "articulus", which means "joint" or "articulation". It is also a combination of the Latin word "arti-" (related to "artus", meaning "joint") and the suffix "-cularis" (indicating "relating to" or "pertaining to").
The word "crepitus" comes from the Latin word "crepitus", which means "a creaking" or "a cracking". It refers to a sound or sensation produced by the rubbing or grinding of bones or cartilage in a joint.
Thus, "articular crepitus" refers to the audible or palpable cracking or creaking sensation originating from a joint.